Exercise for People Living with HIV
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Original Editor - Audrey Brown
Top Contributors - Melissa Coetsee, Kim Jackson, Audrey Brown and Lucinda hampton
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Regular physical activity and exercise are part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone, including people living with HIV.[1]
Before starting an exercise program, it is important to talk to your health care providers. Your health care team will consider your current health status and and co-existing medical conditions that may affect the type of exercise you can do.[2]
Considerations for People Living with HIV[edit | edit source]
People living with HIV may exhibit metabolic changes with negative health implications. Some of these changes include increased blood lipids, central fat accumulation, lipodystrophy, and decreased aerobic capacity.[3]
Benefits of Physical Activity[edit | edit source]
Physical activity has numerous benefits, including:[1][2]
- Maintains or builds muscle mass
- Reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels (less risk of heart disease)
- Increases energy throughout the day
- Regulates bowel function
- Strengthens bones (less risk of osteoporosis)
- Improves blood circulation
- Increases lung capacity
- Helps with sound, restful sleep
- Lowers stress
- Improves appetite
- Improves mood
Regular exercise can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. [1]
Frequency of Physical Activity[edit | edit source]
People living with HIV can do the same types of physical activity and exercise as individuals who do not have HIV.
The Physical Activity Guidelines advise at least 150-300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity that increase the heart rate such as brisk walking, cycling, or jogging. The Guidelines also recommend some sort of muscle-strengthening activity, such as lifting weights or body-weight exercise, twice per week for adults. [4]
Resources[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/living-well-with-hiv/taking-care-of-yourself/exercise-and-physical-activity
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://www.hiv.va.gov/patient/daily/exercise/index.asp
- ↑ Jaggers JR, Hand GA. Health Benefits of Exercise for People Living With HIV: A Review of the Literature. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2014;10(3):184-192. Published 2014 Jun 16. doi:10.1177/1559827614538750
- ↑ https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/physical-activity-guidelines/current-guidelines/top-10-things-know
